Novak Djokovic could run into some trouble during Serbia’s Davis Cup semi-final against Italy, as two of the rival nation’s players have beaten him this year. Serbia defeated Great Britain 2-0 on Thursday night to book their spot in the last four. But a very tough tie awaits against Italy, with Jannik Sinner and Lorenzo Musetti both having bragging rights against the world No 1.
Djokovic has made it no secret that winning the Davis Cup for Serbia is his main goal for the end of the season. Along with Miomir Kecmanovic, the 36-year-old put his nation a step closer to the trophy when they won their quarter-final tie against Britain. It means that Serbia are back in the semi-final for the second time in the last three years, reaching the same stage in 2021.
But it ended in heartbreak two years ago, as Serbia lost out to Croatia in the decisive doubles rubber. They will be hoping to avoid the same fate this time around but it will be tricky, especially given how much depth there is in team Italy. Djokovic has lost just six matches so far this year but two of his conquerors are part of the rival squad.
The 36-year-old is expected to face world No 4 Sinner in the second singles rubber of the tie, and the Italian managed to beat him last week in the group stage of the ATP Finals. Sinner came through 7-5 6-7(5) 7-6(2) to hand Djokovic his first loss since July, ending his 19-match winning streak.
Click here to join our WhatsApp community to be the first to receive breaking and exclusive tennis news.
Just in Former world No 3 admits installing hidden spy camera in ex-girlfriend’s bedroom[LATEST]
Djokovic was able to avenge the defeat, however, as they contested a rematch in Sunday’s final where the world No 1 won 6-3 6-3 to lift the title. Still, Sinner has the acclaim of being the last man to beat the 24-time Major champion and he can get his own shot at revenge on Saturday.
And the 22-year-old isn’t the only man who has managed to topple the world No 1 this year. Lorenzo Musetti upset Djokovic in his opening match at the Monte Carlo Masters back in April. The world No 27 came from a set down to stun Djokovic 4-6 7-5 6-4.
In the same tournament, he defeated Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic 7-6(1) 6-0 – a good omen given that the pair could meet in Saturday’s first singles rubber. Team Italy also boasts Lorenzo Sonego, Matteo Arnaldi and doubles pick Simone Bolleli.
- Support fearless journalism
- Read The Daily Express online, advert free
- Get super-fast page loading
Don’t miss…
ATP tennis official slapped with 10-year ban and huge fine over match corruption[NEWS]
Rafael Nadal Australian Open update as chief ‘certain’ Spaniard will play[UPDATE]
Emma Raducanu offered Serena Williams treatment with Carlos Alcaraz example[EXPERT]
Kecmanovic has already admitted that it will be a tall task getting past Italy. “I mean, all three are amazing players. They play very well, especially recently. So it’s not going to be easy,” the world No 55 confessed.
Meanwhile, Djokovic addressed the task of facing Sinner and team Italy after clinching the quarter-final tie for Serbia on Thursday. “We played a couple of really fantastic matches in Torino. He’s one of the best players in the world right now,” he said of the world No 4. “Italy is a very strong nation. Let’s see what happens, we’re going to fight and leave it all out on the court.”
Source: Read Full Article